His smile dropped away. “Yes, and none the wiser.”
“You found out nothing?”
“I spent a long day in the cold rain, and I know no more about either Cranny or the children than I did when I got into the saddle this morning.”
“I am sorry, Arthur. I am sure you chased every clue as far as you could.”
“Your faith in me is invigorating. Thank you, Maris.” He glanced around and chuckled tersely. “It would appear you had a busy day.”
“The boys were on edge, and they were not satisfied until they had pulled every toy out. I doubt they played with a single one.”
“They miss Lulu and Molly.”
Maris nodded, her throat suddenly tight.
“You miss them, too,” he said.
“Yes, I do. I knew from the beginning my time with them could be cut short at any moment. Knowing and having that moment actually come are two different things.”
“If you want me to talk to Susanna about allowing the children to come back—”
“No!” Her face heated as she added in a calmer tone, “King Solomon found it a challenge to solve the problem of a single child and two women who claimed to be its mother.”
“And I am not as wise as King Solomon.” He sat on the window bench she had vacated and locked his fingers around one knee. “I am sure Susanna would be willing to let the girls come and play with the boys. Maybe once a week.”
“We have already spoken of that. After she and Captain Nesbitt are settled in their new house and the twins have had a chance to adjust to another new home, she plans to bring them here regularly. As well, I will take Bertie and Gil to Lady Susanna’s house to see the girls. Mrs. Trelawney will have Toby join the others whenever she can.”
“It would appear you have solved a problem that nearly confounded Solomon.”
Maris did not have to force her smile. “I am happy for Lulu and Molly. They adore your sister and her husband, who love them in return. How much better it is for the girls to have a doting family! It is just…just…” Her words came out in a rush. “Poor Bertie will be here alone when Gil is with Lady Caroline and the baby.”
“You make that sound like a terrible fate.”
“It is. I know because I was an only child.”
“That must have been lonely.”
“My parents arranged for me to spend time with another girl so I had some companionship close to my own age. We became bosom bows. Unfortunately, some friendships cannot endure as we change from children to adults.”
“Yet you think of her often.”
“Is it obvious?” She sighed. “I wonder how she fares. Has she married? Does she have a family of her own?”
“If you were to write to her…”
“That is not possible,” she said before she realized what she was revealing with those four words. “Please don’t ask why.”
“As you wish, but I am curious if it has to do with the sadness that dims your eyes far too often.”
“It does, but do not ask me any more.”
“I will respect your request.” He shook his head, making that stubborn lock fall into his eyes again. He pushed it away as he said, “Though I have trusted you with my deepest secret.”
“I know.”
He set himself on his feet. “If you change your mind, Maris, you are welcome to invite your friend to Cothaire.”
She was astounded at the generous offer he was making to a servant. “Thank you, but I will not change my mind.” Not as long as I remember how betrayed I felt when Belinda turned away as her father was tossing me out. “Even if I did, her visit would be inconvenient for everyone.” She did not explain her friend was a member of the Polite World, because that would elicit more questions she did not want to answer.
“Shall we change the subject?” Arthur asked, his eyes beginning to twinkle.
“Yes.”
He laughed at the relief in her voice. Asking her to wait where she stood, he went into the hallway. He returned almost immediately with a bolt of bright green fabric that looked like the scraps of silk Mrs. Hitchens had given her to make doll’s clothing.
Placing the material in her hands, he said, “I did not expect there to be much of this available, but I thought you could put it to good use.”
“It is beautiful, Arthur.” She balanced the bolt on her left arm while she stroked the fabric with her right hand. “The girls will look charming in it, and they will be delighted to be able to dress like their dolls.”
He put his hand on the fabric. Even though she knew it was impossible, heat seemed to spread from his palm through the layers of silk to where her fingers touched it. “I did not bring this for Lulu and Molly.”
“The boys will not want to wear—”
“I did not bring it for them, either.” His voice remained even, but she sensed strong passions beneath his everyday words.
“Then…?” Her eyes rose to lock with his gaze. “Arthur, I cannot accept such a gift. This fabric is not for a nurse.”
“Why not? You considered it appropriate for the children.”
“They are your father’s wards. Their position in Society is higher than a nurse’s.”
“But it is the perfect color to match your eyes, and you would look stunning in a gown made from it.”
She pushed the fabric against his chest, and his arms came up to take it. “That is neither here nor there. I cannot accept such a gift from you, Arthur. It would give the wrong impression.”
“It is not only from me. My sisters asked that I bring you this. They thought you could make yourself a gown for when you bring the children to the New Year’s Eve gathering.”
She looked from his earnest face to the beautiful fabric. “Lady Caroline and Lady Susanna asked you to bring it to me?”
“Are you suggesting I am not being honest with you?” He put the growl in his voice that had persuaded Bertie that Arthur was a bear.
Laughing, Maris said, “I know better, but I am overwhelmed.”
“Does that mean you will take the fabric and use it for yourself?”
She desperately wanted to agree. “No, Arthur.”
“What?”
“Arthur, you have to look at the situation from my point of view.” Sensing the frustration roiling through him, she clasped her hands in front of her so she would not reach out to take his. She swallowed hard because the next words she must say tasted bitter. “What would Lady Gwendolyn think if she learned you had given me such a gift?”
“I told you it is also from my sisters.”
“Even so, Lady Gwendolyn could be hurt and humiliated. I know you don’t want that.”
Reluctantly, he nodded. “You are right, Maris. You always think of others before yourself, but this once, I wish you would think of yourself. You are important to my family, and we only intended to thank you.” A sad smile creased his face. “You don’t need to remind me where good intentions can lead one.” He looked around the day nursery. “Do you want help cleaning up this mess?”
“No, I am fine, thank you.”
“Then I should bid you good night. I will see you tomorrow at church.”
“Yes.” She hated how they sounded like the most casual of acquaintances. “Good night, Arthur.”
He nodded and walked out of the nursery with the beautiful green silk under his arm.
When she was sure he was far enough away that he could not hear her, she whispered, “Thank you for being kind. That is one of the reasons I love you.”
*
In the pew set aside for the Cothaire’s upper servants, Maris sat between Bertie and Gil. Letting the two boys sit together was an invitation for them to misbehave. Across the aisle from them, Lulu and Molly, whom Lady Susanna called ‘Moll,’ were perched on the pew beside the lady and Captain Nesbitt. They were the image of a perfect, happy family.
Would that ever be more than an illusion?
Even though she tried to halt herself from looking at Arthur, Maris
’s gaze settled on his profile. He was disappointed that she had refused the family’s gift. She could gauge his feelings with a skill that astonished her, but she guessed anyone who saw how his fingers tapped his knee would discern his disquiet. He seemed focused on his brother, who was climbing the steps to the pulpit; yet Arthur acted as unsettled in his pew as the little boys beside her.
Too late, she realized it had been a mistake to turn down his generous offer. Talking with Irene this morning while getting the boys ready for church, she had discovered it was not uncommon for the Trelawneys to open their cupboards to the household staff. She was surprised. That never happened at Bellemore Court. Belinda had shown off her newest gowns, but never offered anyone, even Maris, her discarded ones. Maris had been shocked to discover that they were cut up and used for cleaning rags.
When she had asked Belinda about it, her friend repeated what Lord Bellemore had said about not allowing the servants to take on airs above their birth. Maris had never imagined the earl might be talking about her…not until he chose to believe a nobleman’s lies rather than the truth. His dismissal of her as beneath his contempt had hurt her as deeply.
But she could not tell Arthur any of this. If she did, her tapestry of lies would fall apart. She had worked hard to hide the truth after she had fled from Bellemore Court. Very hard, and she was proud of what she had accomplished.
Pride.
It had caused her parents’ downfall when they tried to maintain a life beyond their means. Now she was letting pride keep her from being honest with Arthur. She could not bear the thought of him reacting as Belinda’s father had. Not when she loved him so much.
Far too much, she realized, because Arthur would be leaving for the hunt two days after the Porthlowen festival. He would ask Lady Gwendolyn to be his bride. By Christmas, if the rumors were true, he intended to bring her to Cothaire as his wife.
“Our lesson today is from Hebrews 13.” The parson’s voice drew her eyes to the pulpit as he opened his Bible. When he spoke, even though he was not even looking at her, it seemed as if the words were meant specifically for her. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.
He continued, but she repeated the verses in her mind. Not fear what any man did to her? The words seemed simple. All she needed to do was turn to God and her fear would be taken from her. She longed to believe that was how it worked, but it had not when Lord Litchfield had put his face close to hers while he kept her from escaping. His breath, tainted with wine, had filled every breath she took as she cried out for help. None had come.
Should she ask for God’s help to face what was ahead? Would He hear her? His promise was clear. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
But she did fear. Not about having her reputation ruined beyond redemption, as she had when she had fled from Bellemore Court. She feared she could not live in Cothaire along with Arthur and Lady Gwendolyn, but she had no idea where she might go. To another house where they needed a nurse? Lady Caroline would likely give her a good recommendation, but that would mean leaving the children and never seeing them again.
Could Maris live without knowing if they were ever reunited with their families?
She felt utterly and irrevocably lost.
*
Arthur strolled among the colorful festival booths, each one decorated with braided strands of wheat in unique designs. He had no idea why the braids were hooked to the stalls. It was the way they had always been adorned, and nobody wanted to break the tradition.
The weather was perfect. A breath of breeze wafted over the headland, and the sun shone almost as warmly as on a late summer afternoon. The field was crowded with excited families and flirting couples. Children raced between the booths, their faces covered with sugar and other treats.
He greeted people he passed and assured them that his father would be arriving later. If he had ever had any doubts how respected and loved his father was in Porthlowen, they would have been swept away by the many questions about the earl’s health.
Shouts came from the direction of a pole that had been raised overnight and lathered with lard. Arthur walked to where he could watch young men attempting to climb it and win the guinea in the box nailed to the top. He had won the contest when he was sixteen after he convinced a trio of friends in the village to work with him. He had one get down on all fours, and the next one clamber onto his back on his own hands and knees. Once the third one was in place, Arthur was able to climb atop them and pluck the guinea from the box. He wondered what ideas the young men would come up with this year to retrieve the coin.
When he saw a familiar gray bonnet, he walked faster. Maris might wear dreary colors, but she could not hide her beauty. Not from him, and not from several young men loitering near her. Was she unaware of them? She did not look once in their direction as she squatted to hear what Bertie and Gil were saying.
“Are you having fun?” Arthur asked when he stood beside her and the boys.
“Climb, climb, climb!” Bertie repeated over and over, until Maris put her finger to her lips and urged him to be quiet so she could answer Arthur.
How he envied that finger! Close to her sweet lips, which had been near his…in his dreams. He thought of her words about making sure Gwendolyn was not embarrassed even before she came to Cothaire, and he knew Maris was right. He did not love Gwendolyn, but she was his dear friend, and he would do nothing to hurt her.
“We are having a lovely time,” Maris said with a smile. “The others will be joining us later, but Lady Caroline wished for the baby to have a nap before they left Cothaire.”
“Climb, climb, climb!” shouted Bertie again.
Gil joined in as one of the lads who worked on a fishing boat made a running start to jump as high as he could on the pole. When he slid to the ground with a thump, the onlookers jeered and yelled for the next youth to try.
“Does anyone ever make it to the top?” Maris asked.
“Eventually, but first the young fools have fun showing off.” Arthur chuckled. “After they have slid down a few times, they will work together, as they decide to do every year.”
“Why don’t they work together right from the beginning?” she asked.
He laughed again. “And miss the chance to be the first in the history of the festival to make it to the top on his own? A lifetime of boasting rights are worth ruined clothes and rattled bones.”
They watched a little longer, then began to wander from booth to booth. They had not gone far before someone called Arthur’s name.
Warrick rushed up to them, his spectacles bouncing on his nose. “Ah, Trelawney, just the man I was looking for.” Without giving Arthur a chance to answer, he continued, “I wanted to let you know the little girl reported missing has been found.”
“Where?” Arthur asked as he saw a smile blossom on Maris’s face. “How is she?”
“Alive and well. As to where she was found, I cannot ascertain.” The baron grimaced. “To say these Cornish miners are closemouthed is an understatement. I have been assured in the most patronizing way that I need not worry about the matter further.”
“What are they hiding?” Maris asked.
Lord Warrick arched his brows. “Exactly my thought, Miss Oliver. I had hoped you, Trelawney, with your far vaster knowledge of these people, could offer me some insight.”
“In this case,” Arthur replied, “I have none. I have asked everywhere about missing children. People act sympathetic, but claim they have no information. Even though they might believe you, as a new arrival to Cornwall, would swallow such a clanker, they should know I would not. No tidbit of gossip gets overlooked here.
A missing child—or six—should be a nine days’ wonder. That is what bothers me.”
“We should be thankful the mystery of one missing child has been solved,” Maris said quietly, “even if not to our satisfaction. One little girl is home and safe with her family.”
“Trust you to get to the crux of the issue,” Arthur said, before looking at Warrick. “Still, the lack of answers is dashingly bothersome.”
“Agreed. I…” He stared past Arthur’s shoulder.
Arthur turned and saw Carrie strolling toward them. She pulled the baby wagon. In it, Joy was chewing on a toy.
“Such serious faces during the fair.” Carrie stopped beside them, drawing the wagon close to her. “I hope there is not more bad news.”
“Quite the opposite, my lady,” Warrick said as he bowed his head toward her. “I bring good tidings. The missing child has been found safe.”
“Wonderful!” Her smile wobbled, and Maris guessed it took the lady every bit of her strength to steady it. “Has anything been found out about the children from the harbor?”
“I am sorry, my lady, but it seems the two incidents are not related.” He glanced at the wagon. “Is that one of the children from the boat?”
He bent closer to Joy. Sun glinted off his lenses, and the baby reached for them, excited. He stood to keep her from pulling them off his face.
“She knows what she wants,” Carrie said.
“I see.” The baron’s gaze swept over them before he said, “I am glad I was able to share the good news before I take my leave.”
“You are not staying for the blessing of the boats?”
He shook his head. “Though I would like to, I will have to wait until next year. I actually came to Porthlowen today to talk to your blacksmith about making some replacement parts for a beam engine.”
“The one that was not working before?” asked Arthur, hearing the sudden undertone of tension on Warrick’s voice.
“No, that one seems to be working. Thank God. However, one of the others has a broken cylinder, and I need to get it repaired so the mine can reopen.”
“I don’t recall your late uncle having such trouble with beam engines.”
Love Inspired Historical October 2015 Box Set Page 40